Yellow Belly Hippo Tang

Yellow Belly Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus var.)

The Yellow Belly Blue Tang, also known as the Yellow Belly Regal Blue Tang, is a vibrant marine fish distinguished by its electric blue body and characteristic yellow belly. This variant is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas around Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Color Form: Electric blue body with a yellow belly and tail, featuring bold black markings resembling a painter's palette
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
• Max. Size: Up to 12 inches (30.5 cm)
• Family: Acanthuridae
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (681 liters)

Care Guidelines:
The Yellow Belly Blue Tang requires a spacious aquarium of at least 180 gallons to accommodate its active swimming behavior and potential size. Provide ample live rock formations to offer hiding spots and grazing surfaces. Maintaining high water quality with stable parameters is crucial, as this species is susceptible to marine ich and other skin parasites.

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous, this tang thrives on a diet rich in marine-based algae and seaweed. Supplement their diet with high-quality flake or pellet foods formulated for herbivorous fish. Offering dried seaweed tied to a rock or using a veggie clip at least three times per week will help strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression, and improve overall health.

Compatibility:
Generally peaceful, the Yellow Belly Blue Tang coexists well with other non-aggressive species. However, it may exhibit territorial behavior towards conspecifics or similarly shaped fish, especially in smaller tanks. Introducing multiple specimens simultaneously into a larger marine system can help mitigate aggression.

Special Considerations:
Regular monitoring for signs of stress or disease is essential, as this species is more susceptible to lateral line disease, fin erosion, and skin parasites than many other fish. Quarantining new additions and maintaining optimal water quality can help prevent these issues.

By adhering to these care guidelines, the Yellow Belly Blue Tang can be a vibrant and engaging addition to your marine aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and dynamic behavior.